Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

Illustrated by Adeline Bayer (Age 12)

Bonus Illustration by Claire Overcash (Age 11)

Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, eggnog. The traditional fare that adorns tables at Christmas time. Yet, the dish for me that gives me that inexplicable feeling of Christmas is pizza bread. Pepperoni and mozzarella rolled into a loaf, the meal that sustained us on our annual roadtrip to Missouri at Christmas time.

A 12-hour journey west on Interstate 40 may not resemble a Rockwellesque vision of Christmas, but I looked forward to it every year. The minivan, packed luggage, gifts, and, of course, pizza bread would speed westward through mountains and then farmland until we were greeted by the Arch standing on the bank of the Mississippi. Finally, brimming with excitement, we would pull into the driveway where my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins were waiting.

Traffic, flat tires, or tired backs could not diminish the excitement of knowing we would be spending time with the people we loved. I would get to listen to Grandpa tell jokes. I would get to hear Grandma play piano for shoppers returning ill-sized Christmas presents at Von Maur. I would get to listen to Aunt Lisa tell stories or hear Uncle Dick lament the Rams’ post-season prospects.

I did not dread the journey, because I cherished the destination. And so, when I think of pizza bread, I think of my family and the love that we share.

I thank God for family and shared journeys … and pizza bread.